The Opera Populaire

Whee...the past weekend was filled with much activities and I have not had the time to blog about them till now, before the next wave of work engulfs me.

Okies, watched Japanese movie 涙そうそう (Nada Sou Sou):
http://www.nada-so.jp/
http://www.moviexclusive.com/review/nadasousou/nadasousou.htm

Enjoyed it a lot. The leads, Tsumabuki Satomashi and Nagasawa Masami, were two gorgeous peoples with the hearts to match. The storyline is simply touching, although I do think that the "glistening tears" part, as the title suggested, was not very well explored. The undercurrent of strong, deep love between the two somehow falls rather flat also and was only saved by the bittersweet touch at the end of the movie, when Nagasawa received something that showed her why her step-brother had been working so hard for. I prefer Nobuhiro Doi's previous movie, "Be With You". But overall, a good movie for the Japanese movie lover who cannot resist that touch of Korean tear-jerker.

I also watched the Phantom of the Opera with Sarah and her sister. This musical certainly needs no introduction, being world-famous. However the musical was a bit of a disappointment for us, because the leads did not perform up to standard. I thought that "Christine" did not possess the vocal range nor vocalize the songs well. She hits the high notes with too much of an "opera-ey" flourish. "Raoul" neither acted his part well nor sang well.

I enjoyed the supporting cast's performances better. The performance of "Carlotta" deserved applause, giving it just the right touch of primadonna petulance and comic relief, added with the right dash of grounding that made her such a delight to watch compared to the one acted by Minnie Driver in the movie version. I laughed more than felt the Gothic horror as the cast made the funny parts so enjoyable, giggling at the managers' duet about letters and the performance on the French lord that was being made a cuckold of.

The set and props as well as special effects were awesome! Although I knew the lines by heart, I found the beginning where the dilapidated opera house was being transformed into its past glory so astounding, with lightning etc. And the boat scene to the Phantom's lair with its glorious candles set....wow!

Alex and Chingling's wedding on Sat was an enjoyable affair, with many of the people from the Honours class turning up. Some of the friends I know from St. Nicks were also there, so it was some kind of double reunion of sorts for me. Loved the spirit of fun that is so characteristic of the couple running throughout the dinner, with that cheesy Chinese oldie playing to their costume change. And YH's cool performance that got the attention of everyone in the audience, which even my cousin praised!

I found out that some people like Weiling actually read my blog! I was actually slightly shocked to hear him say that I am quite Japanese-influenced, because that is what my colleagues are insisting about me! Haha...well, although I do not write blog for audience purposes, it is still nice to hear that some people still consider me a part of their lives enough to want to find out how I am doing. The melancholic part of me was thinking how much I have grown since my days as a swinging undergrad in NUS, of all those days of laughter with this bunch of people in the Honours Room, canteens and other meorable places in NUS. Yet I will not trade anything for the maturity that leaving school has taught me thus far. Still hmm...we must all work on the keeping in contact bit! (Wink wink, Weijin, Shizhi etc ...hohoho).

Came back to work on Sun...not something new for Singaporeans I suppose. But boy, it did leave me really zonked for this whole week.

I have decided to do something. Well, I don't know what is God's plan for me about it, and it used to be something I railed against. But well, I came to this decision after Godly consultation and prayer and it does seem like God is trying to teach me something again. A bit apprehensive, but hmm... we'll see.

Just a wave for those who happen to be reading this *wave!!!* I love you guys! (so inspired was I by the conversation during the wedding dinner)

Labels: Review, Saya Affairs

I came back from MC only to be swept up by the avalanche of changes that are taking place. And upon analysis, I think I have become the unwitting political tool of a faction, a puppet, if you want to put it pessimistically, due to my background and also credentials.

When I first stepped into the working life, all I want to do is something that will be of service to other people. I also hoped to be side-stepped of petty political rivalries, free of envy and be happy with the salary I bring home. But God has brought me to a very different place from what I first envision myself to be in. And I am confused. Very. If His prophetic words to me many years ago is still true, how is it ever going to be accomplished?

The weekend promises to be "action-filled". Phantom of the Opera on Fri, CL and Holy Way's wedding on Sat, first time coming back to the office on Sun. Woah, how's that??

Labels: Saya Affairs

Went to Jalan Kayu and Seletar area, including the airport on Sun with Cherky and Sarah on Sun. Cool! Check out this blog:

http://jalankayutrail.blogspot.com/

Labels: Se-lat-por Affairs

Got stalked on Sat! Kay...this is what happened..

I was on a bus to Chinatown Complex when a man suddenly stood in front of me, holding up his newspaper. I remember thinking how obstrusive he was, because there were other spaces that he could have stood on the bus and his newspaper happened to be pretty close to my face. As the bus chugged to the stop opposite Chinatown Point, I got ready to get down. It was then that I realised the man seemed to be in a fluster to fold up his newspaper and to prepare to get down too.

But I thought nothing about it, until he caught up with me as I was making my way to Chinatown Complex, muttering something about him coming from PRC and wanting to get to know me. He seemed upset when I recoiled in surprise and mild horror at his advance. I told him I was sorry, but no thanks, and continued to walk briskly to my destination, hoping to shrug him off. He said in exasperation," I gathered so much courage before daring to speak to you!" I just said I was sorry and quickened my already brisk pace, crossing the road.

As I turned around to see if he was still around, I saw him standing somewhere behind me! Freaked out, I made my way to the clinic. Looking out, I saw him standing at the doorway! That was when I decided to call two of my tallest and strongest guy friends, who incidentally did not pick up my calls *hmpf* Lorraine picked up my desperate call and told me tell him I would call the police if he continued that way. Only then did I dare to stand up to look around. He was gone, thank God.

Well, I guess the incident did show me that it takes a BIG deal of courage to approach a girl, be it in a club or on the streets. He could end up either being branded a pervert or a winner. Somebody did deserve a prize. Anyway, it's *phew* for me.

Labels: Saya Affairs

I think that sending your daughter to a convent school is more or less a gamble. Most of us who had been through the schools turn out more or less fine, but there are always a few who never recover from the deprivation of contact with members of the opposite sex during those formative years. This tends to hamper their interaction in social settings later on life.

Allow me to identify a few types I categorise as "convent girls":

1) The demure type. Most her friends are females; she is not close to the male ones. Does not believe in platonic friendship between males and females. Holds herself in reserve when interacting with members of the opposite sex.

2) The Eager Beaver. The polar opposite of the Demure type. Usually most of the convent girls turn that way upon initial exposure to members of the opposite sex. The condition will right itself with time.

3) The "garang" (fierce type). Nice towards fellow girls, she makes it clear through her actions that it is time for guys to take a back seat in every aspect of life. "Hurrah for feminism!" is her daily motto. Note: she is definitely straight. She may be a romantic at heart, but does not know how to express it till maturity sets in.

4) The butch. She may be temporarily lesbian during school days. A dose of boys in JC may right her....or they may not. In the case of the latter, she is a lost cause and is likely to remain that way for the rest of her life.

Ok, the above are just some caricatures of various types of convent girls I know. Yes, I did come from one myself, in case you think I'm biased against them or something. Just think that certain individuals I know should just lighten up. Hey, God created men for a reason, you know. And they deserve our respect, too.

Labels: Se-lat-por Affairs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5vzE-kmOd4

I love this Indonesian song a lot. It means "The Most Beautiful Memory" in English, sang by Samson.

Labels: Song

My birthday was celebrated in a meaningful way this year. The church organized a visit to Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home, with games and food for the children. It must be admitted that I was thinking for the entire month that we were going to an old folk's home, so it was a mini surprise to realise my mistake upon arrival at the gate. Hahaha :)

I do like children, but I do not know how to interact with them. The children eased my initial reservation by being generally very friendly, just climbing into you lap or hugging you at will.

But the person who made the deepest impression on me was probably one troubled youth who picked a fight with some members of my church over soccer. When I was going to the children's dorm to tend to someone, I saw him lying in a puddle of rainwater, with a mop beside him, probably a vent for his pent-up, unexpleined rage. I was warned not to go near him because he was known to go violent in times like these. As I watched him, I prayed and wondered what sort of trouble has the young man known to cause all that rage and wonder if some kind of outlet could be found to help him.

The day ended with dinner of North Indian food and Clarke Quay with some frens. I did not know Clarke Quay has so transformed. This comes from a professed bed potato.

Just a side note: why? Oh why are all these things happening because of me? Now I can comprehend what is it like to be hated for something entirely not my fault. Sigh.

Labels: Saya Affairs